Analysing Fiction (Edexcel) – English

When analysing fiction for Edexcel English, you need to focus on several key areas, including language, structure, themes, and context. Below is a breakdown of how to approach fiction analysis effectively.

Understanding the Text

Before analysing, ensure you comprehend the passage. Ask yourself:

• What happens? (Summary of events)

• Who are the key characters?

• What is the setting? (Time, place, atmosphere)

• What are the main themes?

Language Analysis

Authors use language to create meaning, emotion, and atmosphere. Look for:

Literary Devices

• Imagery – Visual (sight), auditory (sound), tactile (touch), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste).

• Similes & Metaphors – Comparisons that enhance description.

• Personification – Giving human qualities to non-human things.

• Symbolism – Objects, colours, or settings that represent deeper meanings.

• Alliteration, Assonance & Onomatopoeia – Sound effects in writing.

Word Choices (Diction)

• Formal vs. Informal language – Creates tone and realism.

• Emotive language – Evokes strong feelings.

• Connotation vs. Denotation – Implied vs. literal meaning of words.

Structural Features

The way a text is organised influences its effect on the reader. Consider:

• Sentence structure – Short vs. long sentences (impact, tension, rhythm).

• Paragraphing – How ideas develop.

• Narrative perspective – First-person (subjective), third-person limited (one viewpoint), third-person omniscient (all-knowing).

• Foreshadowing – Hints at future events.

• Flashbacks – Changes in time to reveal information.

• Juxtaposition – Contrasting ideas or descriptions.

Characterisation

• Direct characterisation – Explicit descriptions of a character.

• Indirect characterisation – Actions, speech, and interactions revealing personality.

• Dialogue – How characters speak and what it reveals about them.

• Development – Does the character change or stay the same?

Themes and Ideas

• Love & Relationships – Romance, family, friendship.

• Conflict – Internal (emotional struggles) vs. external (against others or society).

• Power & Control – Who holds power? How is it used?

• Identity & Belonging – Personal growth, culture, society.

• Reality vs. Illusion – How truth is portrayed.

Context (AO3)

• Historical Context – Time period, societal norms.

• Author’s Background – How their life influences the text.

• Literary Movement – Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, etc.

• Social Issues – Gender, race, class, war.

Reader Response

• Personal interpretation – How does the text make you feel?

• Different perspectives – How might various audiences react?

Essay Writing Tips

• Use PEE paragraphs –

  • Point – Make a clear argument.

  • Evidence – Support with quotes.

  • Explanation – Analyse techniques and effect.

• Embed quotations smoothly into sentences.

• Write formally (avoid slang, contractions).

• Stay focused on the question – Don't just retell the story.

• Use a variety of analytical verbs – Suggests, implies, highlights, conveys, demonstrates.